A degree will get your foot in the door. Your soft skills will open it.

Category: First Impressions

One look at an email can rob you of 15 minutes of focus. One call on your cell phone, one tweet, one instant message can destroy your schedule, forcing you to move meetings, or blow off really important things, like love, and friendship. ~ Jacqueline Leo A newish word has crept into our social media … Continue reading “Phubbing” Can Lead to “Phlubbing”

“If it weren't for the last minute, nothing would get done.” ~ Rita Mae Brown

Last week’s entry addressed the importance of knowing your company, and how the company policy manual is the bedrock of an organization. This week I want to address the mirror image of the policy manual, which is compliance with those policies.

The English translation to the quote above is, “All the while we keep a man waiting, he reflects on our shortcomings.” There is truth in this! If you're late for work, a meeting, an assignment, event, or any occasion you run the risk of engendering negative thoughts about you in the minds of those who are punctual or who you've kept waiting. To some, being tardy equates to being undependable, untrustworthy, unsuitable and even unlikeable.

Hard work spotlights the character of people:some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses,and some don’t turn up at all. ~ Sam Ewing, American Writer and Humorist (1920-2001)

You did it! You’ve been hired and you’re starting your new job. Congratulations! You’ve reached the end of your job search and now you’re beginning another journey – one in which you must remain sharp and professional to achieve job and career success.

“What a strange power there is in clothing.”~ Isaac Bashevis Singer (1904-1991)

Regardless of the century in which one has lived clothes have always been important to a man’s image. Erasmus and Singer both recognized the authority and influence that dressing well commands. (I recently discovered that it was Erasmus, not Mark Twain, who first uttered the famous sentiment about clothes making the man!)

Diamonds are nothing more than chunks of coal that stuck to their jobs.”~ Malcolm S. Forbes

(Please note that I'm interrupting my series on dining etiquettefor a few weeks to focus on the topic of summer job etiquette.)

Sticking to one’s job in a positive and productive way is the key to making progress. And, speaking of making progress, the U.S. is seeing some of the strongest summer employment numbers for teenagers since the 2007 discovery that the world was in the midst of the largest disaster since 1929. These figures might also include summer internships, which differ from the time-honored summer I-need-to-earn-some-money job; but still the job picture is improving. If you’re among the lucky teenagers, as well as college students, to have summer employment, this entry is for you!

“I must have missed it,” said Dumbledore cheerfully. “However, due to a lucky mistake, I arrived at the Ministry three hours early...”~J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter Eight, The Hearing

Both Windsor citizen Ford and Hogwarts’ Professor Dumbledore knew that by arriving early they could accomplish their goals. Three hours might seem to be a bit of an early lead, but I think we’d all agree that it depends on the mission.

The Formal Affair

If you are invited to a State Dinner at the White House, a charity ball, corporate black-tie dinner, a wedding or similar formal affair, punctuality is crucial. For some occasions, you may receive instructions on the suggested arrival time. In any case, it isadvisable to arrive no later than 20 minutes priorto the time indicated on the invitation, and I advise to arrive 30-40 minutes ahead of time, because:

The Intel Corporation, which manufactures the processors in today’s popular mobile devices, in association with The Emily Post Institute has conducted its first international survey on “Mobile Etiquette." Accordingly, it seems fitting to close (for now) this series on Your Internet Presence with an examination of how people are managing their mobile devices worldwide.

The Internet can be a good thing. But Bonnie Prince Harry -- who was caught literally with his pants down in photos that have resulted in massive exposure (so to speak) on the Internet this past week – has learned that the Internet can also be a very badplace. And, as the Royal Redhead’s Las Vegas photos have apparently resulted in damaged relationships, expected disciplinary action by the British Army and an anticipated dressing down (sorry) by Her Majesty The Queen, The Prince of Wales has also discovered that the Internet can have its ugly side.

Several years ago upon entering my daughter’s high school guidance office for an appointment, two male students and their belongings were sprawled and strewn across all the available seating. They ignored me and continued to address each other as though no one else were present. I almost asked them to remove their jackets, backpacks, books and other paraphernalia to make room for me to sit, but I was so fascinated by their behavior that I opted to wait and see if their manners would kick in. They didn’t.

Failure to stand on certain occasions can damage your brand. Just as people will remember a poor handshake, they will also recall if you failed to stand when meeting them.